S. Yoneoka

A new integrated suspension for pico-sliders (pico-CAPS)

Ultralow loadforce pico-sliders must be used to further improve the reliability of magnetic disk drives. We now propose a new integrated suspension for pico-sliders with MR heads, called pico-CAPS. The pico-CAPS features a monolithic body and has a direct signal pattern. It is light and has ultralow stiffness and a high resonant frequency. Our tests show that the pico-CAPS makes the flying pico-slider stable. Its shock resistance is high, and its electrical characteristics allow the high data transfer rate of over 40 MB/s.

An optimization method for precision positioning of pico-CAPS

An optimization method for magnetic disk drive suspensions that improves resonant frequencies in the access direction is described. The basic principles of this method are widening the node portions and narrowing the loop portions of a suspension in the sway mode. The frequency response characteristics were predicted with an precision analysis, which included deformation of the loaded suspension. These methods were applied to an integrated head suspension system, named pico-CAPS. We confirmed that the resonant frequency of the sway mode was higher than 10 kHz, with an increase of 20%, and also confirmed the validity of these methods.

The trinity slider for ultra low flying heights

To increase the recording density of magnetic disk drives, the flying height of the heads needs to be reduced. To achieve this. we have to design a slider that maintains reliability, flying stability. and wide manufacturing tolerance at ultra low flying heights. In this paper, we report a new bmity slider with improvements for ultra low flying height. It has high sbffness because of the high negative pressure, such that flying height fluctuation is reduced Moreover, by balancing the positive and negative form ratios, a fairly constant flying height is achieved for different radii.

An Optimization Method Using PICO-CAPS For Precision Positioning

The higher track density of magnetic disk drives requires more accurate positioning of the flying heads. For precise positioning, the servo bandwidth should be widened so the suspension has higher lateral resonant frequencies and a low amplitude. To achieve higher lateral resonant frequencies and a lower amplitude, we developed a new optimization method based on the shape of the suspension plane. The resonant frequency and amplitude are inff uenced by the deformation of the suspension in a loaded state[l]. To precisely estimate the resonant frequency and amplitude, we developed a new method of analysis that includes deformation in a loaded state. We designed a new CAPS, which based on pico-CAPS[2], for precise positioning using the above methods.

An investigation of wireless suspensions

Wireless suspensions have been developed to improve the reliability of magnetic disk drives that use MR heads and pico-sliders. In this paper, we first consider what features are required for suspensions. We next investigate the characteristics in two types of wireless suspensions, a small two-piece suspension and a large conventional sized three-piece suspension. Finally, we demonstrate the advantages of the small two-piece suspension.

Super Proximity Trapezoid Shaped Slider

To achieve an ultralow flying height for magnetic heads, we developed a super proximity trapezoid shaped slider having leading edge width narrower than the trailing edge width. Compared to a conventional slider, it has lower inertia and mass and can maintain a higher roll stiffness. Therefore, it can reduce the impact force resulting from scattered projections on disk surfaces. In addition, it can reduce the flying height fluctuations due to slider rail irregularities, because it is supported at three points by air pressure. As a result, its flying stability is highly reliable.